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KIDS' QUESTIONS
February 2008
Kids' Questions with Ashley Wagner
Ashley Wagner made major strides this season, placing third at both Tropheé Eric Bompard and the 2008 U.S. Championships. The 17-year-old from Alexandria, Va., was gearing up for the latter when we contacted her about answering our Kids' Questions.
How does it feel to compete against skaters like World champion Kimmie Meissner? Do you get nervous?
Sabrina Scarpa, 10
Bayonne, N.J.
Ashley: The first time I got on the ice with her I actually was pretty nervous. My coach called me over to the boards and reminded me everyone I am competing against is just like me, human. Once I accepted that I realized I really should just enjoy the experience and take on the challenge.
Who were your favorite skaters growing up?
Gene Fu, 14
Wappingers Falls
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| Ashley Wagner |
What do you think is the hardest move to do? How long did it take you to stick it?
Ellie Wagner, 16
Conover, N.C.
Ashley: The double Axel took me four years to land, so I would say that was the hardest for me to do. I think it is one of those jumps that can really make or break a skater, but with the double Axel I learned that you really need to stick with things to persevere.
You seem to really love skating but also have a life outside the sport and go to school. Has it been hard to balance your life on and off the ice?
Clara Reed, 11
Little Rock, Ark.
Ashley: It's actually surprisingly easy. I just have to keep different mindsets on and off the ice, which helps me keep everything in check. Skating does limit some of the things that I can do outside of practice. It also takes up a lot of my time, but I take advantage of the free time I have. I love to go to the movies or shopping with my friends.
How old were you when you started competing? When was the first time you won?
Celeste Longueve, 11
Jacksonville
Ashley: I started competing when I was 6 years old. My first competition was in Soldotna, Alaska. I won the gold and I was thrilled. I still remember my first competition routine, it was to Aladdin's “A Whole New World.” The dress is priceless and I never wanted to take it off. Naturally, my 6-year-old self wanted something pink, and pink is what I got.
I know you moved around a lot and had to start out with a new coach each time. What is the most important thing to consider when choosing a new coach?
Gabriela Morrell Zucker, 11
McLean, Va.
Ashley: Yes, each time my family moved I had to change rinks. When I chose a new coach, the one most important thing I looked for was compatibility. You really can't improve if you don't have a friendly relationship with your coach or if your long-term goals are different. When I came out to Virginia, my coach Shirley Hughes was actually recommended to me. Since then we have been able to work together and help my career get started.
You are an amazing skater. What is your training schedule for a typical week? You have so much power. You must train often.
Ashley Callaway, 14
Albuquerque, N.M.
Ashley: I wake up at 5 a.m. and skate from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., and then I head off to my high school up the street. I'm usually back on the ice from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Some days I have a Pilates or ballet class, and other days I just work out off ice by myself. I do tons of back-to-back programs so that I can keep my endurance up in competition.
How long did it take you to land your double Axel and make it consistent? Did your triples come quickly after that?
Natalie Imirzian, 13
Farmington Hills
Ashley: It took me four years to get the jump, but I was very lucky after that. The rest of my triples followed within six months so I guess that even though it took me a long time to get the double Axel, it was worth it. I really learned to stick with it, and if I kept at something long enough, I would be successful.
What is the most memorable moment in your skating career?
Lillie Golub, 16
Bethpage, N.Y.
Ashley: So far the best moment in my career was my skate in Paris, France. It was such an awesome and exhilarating experience to be out on the same ice as Mao Asada. I felt so lucky to be competing in such a beautiful city and I was really excited for my free skate. My goal was to skate two clean programs. I know I looked ridiculous after the end of my free skate but I was just so happy that I did it, and that placing in the competition had become a reality for me. Standing on the podium with some of the world's top skaters is an experience I will never forget.
Whenever I do my scratch spin, I travel. How can I stop myself from traveling?
Kelsey Taylor, 12
Valenica, Calif.
Ashley: If only my coach could be on Kids Questions. The best advice I could give you is practice, practice, practice.
